How was the summer for Wayfinder Family Services?
There were so many special Wayfinder Moments this summer, and true to our name, all of them were about finding ways to empower people so that they could reach their full potential.
During Wayfinder’s Camp Bloomfield sessions, campers who are blind or visually impaired participated in “packing challenges,” which taught them how to identify different items by touch, building organization skills and giving them confidence in what they choose to wear every day. They also learned kitchen skills like identifying fruits or practicing using tools like graters and measuring cups. In addition to thrilling outdoor adventures like ziplining and archery, these quieter activities also empowered our campers and they left with a greater sense of independence.
In our Transition Services program, young adults who are blind or visually impaired stayed in college dorms and worked on resume development, career exploration and networking skills and bonded at game and movie nights.
Families in our post-adoption program gathered in virtual support groups as they continue to navigate the lifelong journey of adoption.
And, at the end of this summer, over 1,000 children received backpacks filled with school supplies from our generous donors. Thanks to so many generous individuals and corporations, students in Wayfinder’s programs started the school year ready with all the essentials to succeed.
Wayfinder received its 13th consecutive four-star rating from Charity Navigator. What does this mean?
Charity Navigator is America’s largest and most-utilized independent charity evaluator. I am incredibly proud that our strong financial health and ongoing accountability and transparency has earned us the highest possible rating again this year. Less than 3% of charities earn this rating for more than 10 consecutive years and I am grateful to our board, leadership and staff for ensuring that we are in this elite group. I hear from so many of our loyal donors that they look for this stellar track record among organizations they support, and I hope that it attracts the attention of new supporters who can join us in our mission to ensure that children, youth, adults and families facing challenges always have a place to turn.
October 16, 2024